Exodus 17:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just as children, who lack guidance, are governed by various passions such as pride, obstinacy, foolishness, wrath, and jealousy, so too did these emotions dominate the people of Israel. They ridiculed Moses and inflicted violence upon him. Like a child who raises a stone in anger and is admonished, "Do not throw it," the Israelites hurled stones at their leader, despite his attempts to evade harm.

Upon arriving at Raphidim, the Israelites not only began to grumble as they had previously, but they were also prepared to resort to violence. In his prayer, Moses called out to the Lord, saying, What shall I do?... they are almost ready to stone me, and I will not evade their wrath unless I provide them with the water they seek.

He is cast with stones, yet he prays for those who cast them, choosing to have his own name erased from the book of God over the destruction of the flock entrusted to him. This reflects his desire to emulate the Good Shepherd, who is known for carrying the wayward sheep on his shoulders.